A bicycle component operating apparatus is basically provided with a controller. The controller is configured to electrically adjust an input position of at least one operating member for starting operation of at least one bicycle component.
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29. A bicycle component operating apparatus comprising: a first sensor configured to detect an input position of a first operating member; a second sensor configured to detect an input position of a second operating member; and a controller placing the second sensor in a sleep mode until the first sensor detects the input position of the first operating member.
19. A bicycle component operating apparatus comprising:
a first sensor configured to detect an input position of a first operating member;
a second sensor configured to detect an input position of a second operating member; and
a controller placing the second sensor in a sleep mode until a movement of the first operating member is detected by the first sensor.
1. A bicycle component operating apparatus comprising:
at least one operating member movably supported on a base member from a rest position to an operated position, and
a controller configured to electrically adjust the operated position of the at least one operating member for starting operation of at least one bicycle component,
wherein the controller includes a user setting that is selected by a user as the operated position.
2. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
a position detecting member configured to detect the operated position of the at least one operating member.
3. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the position detecting member includes at least one of a tactile switch, a Hall Effect sensor and a magnetoresistive sensor.
4. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the position detecting member non-physically detects the operated position.
5. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the position detecting member detects a strength of a magnetic field to detect the operated position.
6. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the controller determines the operated position based on a level of the strength of the magnetic field.
7. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the controller includes a user input to adjust a threshold value of the user setting that corresponds to the operated position, and a memory that stores the user setting of the threshold value as the operated position.
8. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the position detecting member includes a first sensor that detects a first operating member of the at least one operating member and a second sensor that detects a second operating member of the at least one operating member.
9. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the first and second sensors are Hall Effect sensors.
10. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the position detecting member further includes a third sensor that detects the first and second operating members.
11. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the first and second sensors are Hall Effect sensors, and the third sensor is a magnetoresistive sensor.
12. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the controller places the second sensor in a sleep mode based on a movement of the first operating member.
13. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the controller places the second and third sensors in a sleep mode based on a movement of the first operating member.
14. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the second operating member moves the first operating member as the second operating member is moved.
15. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the second operating member moves the first operating member as the, second operating member is moved.
16. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the controller is configured to electrically adjust a plurality of the input positions of the first and second operating members, respectively.
17. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the controller determines whether the first operating member is in a first input position or a second input position based on a signal from the third sensor.
18. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the controller determines whether the second operating member is in a third input position or a fourth input position based on a signal from the third sensor.
20. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the first and second sensors are non-physically contacts to the first and second operating members.
21. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the first and second sensors are Hall Effect sensors.
22. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
a third sensor that detects the first and second operating members.
23. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the controller places the third sensor in a sleep mode based on the movement of the first operating member.
24. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the controller places the third sensor in a sleep mode until the first sensor detects movement of the first operating member.
25. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the controller placing the third sensor in a sleep mode until the first sensor detects the input position of the first operating member.
26. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the first and second sensors are Hall Effect sensors, and the third sensor is a magnetoresistive sensor.
27. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the second operating member moves the first operating member as the second operating member is moved.
28. The bicycle component operating apparatus according to
the controller determines whether the first operating member is in a first input position or a second input position of the first operating member based on a signal from the third sensor.
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Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to a bicycle component operating apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle component operating apparatus in which an input position of an operating member for starting operation of a bicycle component is electrically adjusted.
Background Information
Bicycles are often provided with one or more bicycle components that can be operated and/or adjusted by a rider while riding. Examples of some these bicycle components include an electric suspension, an electric gear changing device (e.g., an electric derailleur or electric internally geared hub) and an electric seatpost. A bicycle component operating device is usually provided on a bicycle (e.g., on a bicycle handlebar) for a rider to electrically operate and/or adjust these bicycle electric components. These bicycle component operating devices are usually provided at least one operating member that is movable from a rest position to an operated position for starting operation of at least one bicycle component.
Generally, the present disclosure is directed to various features of a bicycle component operating apparatus that is configured to operate at least one bicycle component. In most conventional bicycle component operating devices, either the user operating member is not adjustable to change an input position of the operating member for starting operation of the bicycle component or such an adjustment is done mechanically. In view of the state of the known technology, one object is to provide a bicycle component operating apparatus that is configured to electrically adjust an input position of at least one operating member for starting operation of at least one bicycle component.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a bicycle component operating apparatus is provided that basically comprises a controller. The controller is configured to electrically adjust an input position of at least one operating member for starting operation of at least one bicycle component.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the first aspect further comprises a position detecting member configured to detect the input position of the at least one operating member.
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the second aspect is configured so that the position detecting member includes at least one of a tactile switch, a Hall Effect sensor and a magnetoresistive sensor.
In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the second aspect is configured so that the position detecting member non-physically detects the input position.
In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the fourth aspect is configured so that the position detecting member detects a strength of a magnetic field to detect the input position.
In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the fifth aspect is configured so that the controller determines the input position based on a level of the strength of the magnetic field.
In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the first aspect is configured so that the controller includes a user input to adjust a threshold value that corresponds to the input position, and a memory that stores a user setting of the threshold value as the input position.
In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the second aspect is configured so that the position detecting member includes a first sensor that detects a first operating member of the at least one operating member and a second sensor that detects a second operating member of the at least one operating member.
In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the eighth aspect is configured so that the first and second sensors are Hall Effect sensors.
In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the eighth aspect is configured so that the position detecting member further includes a third sensor that detects the first and second operating members.
In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the tenth aspect is configured so that the first and second sensors are Hall Effect sensors, and the third sensor is a magnetoresistive sensor.
In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the eighth aspect is configured so that the controller places the second sensor in a sleep mode based on a movement of the first operating member.
In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the tenth aspect is configured so that the controller places the second and third sensors in a sleep mode based on a movement of the first operating member.
In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the twelfth aspect is configured so that the second operating member moves the first operating member as the second operating member is moved.
In accordance with a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect is configured so that the second operating member moves the first operating member as the second operating member is moved.
In accordance with a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the tenth aspect is configured so that the controller is configured to electrically adjust a plurality of the input positions of the first and second operating members, respectively.
In accordance with a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect is configured so that the controller determines whether the first operating member is in a first input position or a second input position based on a signal from the third sensor.
In accordance with an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect is configured so that the controller determines whether the second operating member is in a third input position or a fourth input position based on a signal from the third sensor.
In accordance with a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, a bicycle component operating apparatus is provided that basically comprises a first sensor, a second sensor and a controller. The first sensor is configured to detect an input position of a first operating member. The second sensor is configured to detect an input position of a second operating member. The controller places the second sensor in a sleep mode based on a movement of the first operating member.
In accordance with a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect is configured so that the controller places the second sensor in a sleep mode until the first sensor detects movement of the first operating member.
In accordance with a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect is configured so that the controller places the second sensor in a sleep mode until the first sensor detects the first input position of the first operating member.
In accordance with a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect is configured so that the first and second sensors are non-physically contacts to the first and second operating members.
In accordance with a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect is configured so that the first and second sensors are Hall Effect sensors.
In accordance with a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect further comprises a third sensor that detects the first and second operating members.
In accordance with a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the twenty-fourth aspect is configured so that the controller places the third sensor in a sleep mode based on the movement of the first operating member.
In accordance with a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the twenty-fourth aspect is configured so that the controller places the third sensor in a sleep mode until the first sensor detects movement of the first operating member.
In accordance with a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the twenty-fourth aspect is configured so that the controller placing the third sensor in a sleep mode until the first sensor detects the input position of the first operating member.
In accordance with a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the twenty-fourth aspect is configured so that the first and second sensors are Hall Effect sensors, and the third sensor is a magnetoresistive sensor.
In accordance with a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect is configured so that the second operating member moves the first operating member as the second operating member is moved.
In accordance with a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, the bicycle component operating apparatus according to the twenty-fourth aspect is configured so that the controller determines whether the first operating member is in a first input position or a second input position based on a signal from the third sensor.
Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed bicycle component operating apparatus will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses one embodiment of the bicycle component operating apparatus.
Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:
A preferred embodiment will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiment are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Referring initially to
Also in the illustrated embodiment, as shown in
As seen in
In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second sensors 26 and 28 wirelessly or non-physically detect the operation of the first and second operating members 16 and 18. In other words, the first and second sensors 26 and 28 are non-physically contacts to the first and second operating members 16 and 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second sensors 26 and 28 are Hall Effect sensors (Hall IC) which include a Hall Effect element, and a comparator. The first and second sensors 26 and 28 output a first signal (e.g. H-signal) when Hall Effect element detects the strength of magnet field is equal or larger than a predetermined value, and a second signal (e.g. L-signal) when Hall Effect element detects the strength of magnet field is smaller than the predetermined value. Specifically, as illustrated in
Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the third sensor 30 wirelessly or non-physically detects the first and second operating members 16 and 18. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the third sensor 30 is a magnetoresistive sensor. The third sensor 30 detects positions of the first and second operating members 16 and 18, or movements of the first and second operating members 16 and 18. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the third sensor 30 is arranged to detect vector of a magnetic field of the magnet M1. Of course, the third sensor 30 can be arranged to detect a magnet other than the magnet M1. Of course, the third sensor 30 can be other type of sensors, such as a resistive position sensor, an optical position sensor, a Hall Effect sensor, or other MR sensor. Furthermore, other types of position sensing arrangements can be utilized as needed and/or desired.
The simplified schematic block diagram of
The main microcomputer 32 is programmed to selectively change shift the derailleur 34 in response to a manual input from a rider operating the first and second operating members 16 and 18 or an automatic input from a control program in the main microcomputer 32. In other words, the main microcomputer 32 is configured to selectively change a gear position of the derailleur 34 either manually or automatically.
The bicycle control apparatus further includes a main power supply 38 (e.g., a battery or capacitor as shown) for supplying electrical power to the electric control unit 22 of the bicycle component operating apparatus 10, the main microcomputer 32 and the derailleur 34. However, the main power supply 38 is not limited to a battery as a power source. Rather, for example, a generator by itself or a generator with a battery can be used for the main power supply 38. Also the various components of the bicycle control apparatus can be provided with their own individually battery or capacitor instead of receiving power from the main power supply 38.
Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the electric control unit 22 of the bicycle component operating apparatus 10 and the derailleur 34 are electrically connected to the main microcomputer 32 by electrical cables that transmit control signals using signal lines S and the transmit power using conductive lines GND and V. However, the main microcomputer 32 can execute two-way communications using electric power line communications (PLC) if needed and/or desired. Moreover, wireless communications could be used to transmit control signals between the main microcomputer 32 and the electric control unit 22 of the bicycle component operating apparatus 10 and/or between the main microcomputer 32 and the derailleur 34 if needed and/or desired.
Depending on the configuration of the bicycle, the main microcomputer 32 can also receive signals from one or more additional bicycle component operating apparatuses, and thus, can further be configured to control other bicycle components such as an additional electrically operable derailleur, an additional electrically adjustable suspension and an electrically adjustable seatpost.
In the illustrated embodiment, as explained below, the first operating member 16 has two operated positions that each causes the electric control unit 22 to generate control signals. Likewise, as explained below, the second operating member 18 has two operated positions that each causes the electric control unit 22 to generate control signals. Specifically, the electric control unit 22 generates a first control signal as the first operating member 16 reaches a first operated position (
Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, as illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 24 of the electric control unit 22 determines the operated positions (e.g., input positions) of the first and second operating members 16 and 18 based on levels of the strength of the magnetic fields. In particular, the controller 24 of the electric control unit 22 determines whether the first operating member 16 is in the first intermediate position (
On the other hand, the controller 24 of the electric control unit 22 determines whether the second operating member 18 is in the second intermediate position (
In the illustrated embodiment, as illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in
Referring now to
As illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, only the first sensor 26 is always turned on for detecting movement of the first operating member 16. On the other hand, the second sensor 28 and the third sensor 30 are selectively placed in a sleep or stand-by mode. With this configuration, the electrical power consumption of the bicycle component operating apparatus 10 can be reduced. As a result, the bicycle component operating apparatus 10 less frequently requires electric charging, and can be utilized for long period of time per charging. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first sensor 26 is intermittently or continuously driven for detecting the movement of the first operating member 16. In other words, the first sensor 26 is not placed in a sleep mode. On the other hand, the controller 24 of the electric control unit 22 places the second sensor 28 in a sleep mode based on the movement of the first operating member 16. Furthermore, the controller 24 places the third sensor 30 in a sleep mode based on the movement of the first operating member 16. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller 24 places the second sensor 28 in the sleep mode until the first sensor 26 detects the movement of the first operating member 16. Furthermore, the controller 24 places the third sensor 30 in the sleep mode until the first sensor 26 detects the movement of the first operating member 16.
More specifically, in response to the movement of the first operating member 16, the first sensor 26 detects the magnet M1 on the first operating member 16, which changes the output signal of the first sensor 26. As a result, the controller 24 determines the movement of the first operating member 16 based on the output signal of the first sensor 26 as a wakeup signal to the controller 24. In response to the controller 24 determining the movement of the first operating member 16, the controller 24 releases the sleep mode of the second sensor 28 and the third sensor 30 by sending wakeup signals to the second sensor 28 and the third sensor 30, respectively, or providing electric power to the second sensor 28 and the third sensor 30, respectively. As a result, the second sensor 28 is placed in a wakeup mode for detecting the movement of the second operating member 18, while the third sensor 30 is placed in a wakeup mode for detecting the positions and/or movements of the first and second operating members 16 and 18 as discussed above. Generally, the electrical power consumption of the MR sensor is larger than that of the Hall Effect sensor. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, only one MR sensor (the third sensor 30) is used. Furthermore, the third sensor 30 is normally placed in the sleep mode, which also reduces the electric power consumption of the bicycle component operating apparatus 10. With only one MR sensor, the controller 24 can not determine which of the first and second operating members 16 and 18 is being operated. Thus, the Hall ICs (first and second sensors 26 and 28) are used to determine which of the first and second operating members 16 and 18 is being operated. Furthermore, the second sensor 28 is normally placed in the sleep mode, which also reduces the electric power consumption of the bicycle component operating apparatus 10.
In the illustrated embodiment, as explained above, when the first operating member 16 is operated, only the first operating member 16 moves, and the second operating member 18 is stationary. On the other hand, when the second operating member 18 is operated, the first operating member 16 also moves together with the second operating member 18. Thus, in response to operating either the first operating member 16 or the second operating member 18, the output signal of the first sensor 26 changes, which places the second and third sensors 28 and 30 in the wakeup mode. After the second and third sensors 28 and 30 are placed in the wakeup mode, the controller 24 detects the output signal of the second sensor 28. If the output signal of the first sensor 26 becomes H-signal, but the output signal of the second sensor 28 does not become H-signal (see, e.g.,
In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 24 determines the short stroke operation and the long stroke operation of each of the first and second operating members 16 and 18 based on the signal from the third sensor 30. Specifically, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 24 places the second and third sensors 28 and 30 in the sleep mode, respectively, until the first sensor 26 detects the movement of the first operating member 16. However, the controller 24 can place the second and third sensors 28 and 30 in the sleep mode at different timings. For example, the controller 24 can place the second sensor 28 in the sleep mode until the first sensor 26 detects the first intermediate position (
Referring to
As seen in
Still referring to
As seen in
Referring to
As explained above, the first operating member 16 has two operated positions that each causes the electric control unit 22 to generate control signals. Likewise, as explained above, the second operating member 18 has two operated positions that each causes the electric control unit 22 to generate control signals. For example, the electric control unit 22 generates the first control signal as the first operating member 16 reaches the first operated position (
In particular, the electric control unit 22 generates the first control signal when the first operating member 16 rotates from the first rest position (
In particular, the electric control unit 22 generates the second control signal when the second operating member 18 rotates from the second rest position (
In the illustrated embodiment, since both the first and second operating members 16 and 18 use the clicking mechanism 20 to notify the rider when the first and second operating members 16 and 18 have reached the operated position that cause the electric control unit 22 to generate control signals, the first and second operating members 16 and 18 are moved the same amounts to reach the operated positions. More specifically, the second operating member 18 is rotated from the second rest position (
As seen in
Referring to
The electric control unit 22 is operated by movement of each of the first and second operating members 16 and 18 moving from the rest position towards their operated positions, respectively. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the electric control unit 22 generates shift signals as the first and third control signals in accordance with movements of the first and second operating members 16 and 18 moving from their rest positions towards their operated positions. The first control signals are used as one of an upshift signal and a downshift signal. The third control signals are used as the other of the upshift signal and the downshift signal. As described above, the first and third control signals are simultaneously generated as the second operating member 18 is operated. The main microcomputer 32 is programmed so that the main microcomputer 32 ignores the first control signal in such situation.
In the illustrated embodiment, the electric control unit 22 generates the first signal as the first operating member 16 reaches the first operated position (
In one embodiment, the electric control unit 22 generates one of an upshift signal and a downshift signal as the first operating member 16 is operated in the first rotational direction R by the first movement amount D1, and generates the other of the upshift signal and the downshift signal as the first operating member 16 is operated in the first rotational direction R by the second movement amount D2. In this way, the first operating member 16 can operate the derailleur 34 for both upshifting and downshifting. In the illustrated embodiment, the first movement amount D1 is smaller than the second movement amount D2. Thus, the second movement amount D2 is different from the first movement amount D1 in the illustrated embodiment.
Alternatively, in another embodiment, the electric control unit 22 and/or the main microcomputer 32 can be selectively programmed so that the first operating member 16 can operate two separate electric shifting devices (e.g., front and rear derailleurs). For example, the electric control unit 22 generates one of an upshift signal and a downshift signal as the first operating member 16 is moved by the first movement amount D1 to operate a first electric shifting device, and generates the other of the upshift signal and the downshift signal as the first operating member 16 is moved by the second movement amount D2 to operate a second electric shifting device. Likewise, the electric control unit 22 also generates one of an upshift signal and a downshift signal as the second operating member 18 is operated in the first rotational direction R by the first movement amount D1. When the second operating member 18 is operated in the first rotational direction R by the second movement amount D2, the electric control unit 22 and/or the main microcomputer 32 can be selectively programmed so that the electric control unit 22 generates either the other of the upshift and downshift signals or a second one of the upshift and downshift signals. Moreover, the electric control unit 22 and/or the main microcomputer 32 can be selectively programmed so that the electric control unit 22 generates one of an upshift signal and a downshift signal as the first operating member 16 is operated and generates the other of the upshift signal and the downshift signal as the second operating member 18 is operated. In this way, each of the first and second operating members 16 and 18 can perform a single shift operation by being operated by the first movement amount D1 and a double shift operation by being operated by the second movement amount D2.
In the illustrated embodiment, the first mounting part 60 is rotatably supported on the base member 14 about the handlebar axis A. The first lever part 62 projects outwardly from the first mounting part 60. Preferably, the first operating member 16 is a trigger operating lever that is biased by the biasing element 68 to the rest position of the first operating member 16 with respect to the base member 14. Here, the biasing element 68 is a coil tension spring that has a first end 68a attached to the first operating member 16 and a second end 68b that is attached to the spacer 58a. Thus, when the first operating member 16 is moved from the rest position (
In the illustrated embodiment, the second mounting part 70 is rotatably supported on the base member 14 about the handlebar axis A. The second lever part 72 projects outwardly from the second mounting part 70. Preferably, the second operating member 18 is a trigger operating lever that is biased by the biasing element 76 to the rest position of the second operating member 18 with respect to the base member 14. Here, the biasing element 76 is a coil compression spring that has a first end 76a abutting against the second operating member 18 and a second end 76b abutting against the spacer 58b. Thus, when the second operating member 18 is moved from the rest position (
In the illustrated embodiment, the first lever part 62 and the second lever part 72 are offset relative to each other in a rotational direction of the first mounting part 60 and the second mounting part 70. Also the first lever part 62 and the second lever part 72 are at least partially offset relative to each other in a radial direction of the first mounting part 60 and the second mounting part 70 in the illustrated embodiment. The first lever part 62 and the second lever part 72 have different shapes and different sizes. The first lever part 62 of the first operating member 16 includes a user operating surface 62a and a non-user operating surface 62b. The user operating surface 62a is operated by a user as the first operating member 16 is operated. The non-user operating surface 62b is untouchably arranged as the first operating member 16 is operated. Likewise, the second lever part 72 of the second operating member 18 includes a user operating surface 72a and a non-user operating surface 72b. The user operating surface 72a is operated by a user as the second operating member 18 is operated. The non-user operating surface 72b is untouchably arranged as the second operating member 18 is operated.
Referring to
In the illustrated embodiment, the clicking mechanism 20 further includes a second part 82 pivotally mounted to the second support member 54 of the base member 14 about a first pivot axis P1. The first part 80 is pivotally mounted to the second part 82 about a second pivot axis P2. Specifically, a first pivot pin 84 is fixedly attached to the second support member 54. The first pivot pin 84 defines the first pivot axis P1. The second part 82 is pivotally mounted on the first pivot pin 84. A first biasing element 86 is operatively disposed between the second part 82 and the second support member 54. A second pivot pin 88 pivotally attached the first part 80 to the second part 82. The second pivot pin 88 defines the second pivot axis P2. A second biasing element 90 is operatively disposed between the first part 80 and the second part 82.
The second biasing element 90 applies a biasing force on the first part 80 to normally maintain the first part 80 in a predetermined orientation with respect to the second part 82 such that abutments of the first part 80 and the second part 82 abut each other. As a result, the first part 80 only moves relative to the second part 82 as the first and second projections 64 and 66 contact the first part 80 when the first operating member 16 moves from one of the operated positions towards the rest position. In the illustrated embodiment, the second biasing element 90 is a torsion spring having a coiled portion disposed on the second pivot pin 88. One end of the second biasing element 90 contacts the first part 80, while the other end of the second biasing element 90 contacts the second part 82.
The first biasing element 86 applies a biasing force on the second part 82 to bias the second part 82 such that the first part 80 normally contacts the first operating member 16. In other words, the first biasing element 86 biases the first part 80 into engagement with the first operating member 16 while the first operating member 16 is in the first rest position. As a result of this arrangement of the first and second parts 80 and 82, the first and second parts 80 and 82 move together as a unit as the first and second projections 64 and 66 contact the first part 80 when the first operating member 16 moves from the rest position towards one of the operated positions. In the illustrated embodiment, the first biasing element 86 is a torsion spring having a coiled portion disposed on the first pivot pin 84. One end of the first biasing element 86 contacts the second part 82, while the other end of the first biasing element 86 contacts the second support member 54.
Accordingly during operation of the first and second operating members 16 and 18, the first part 80 rotates about the first pivot axis P1 as each of the first and second operating members 16 and 18 moves from the rest position toward one of the operated positions, respectively. Specifically, the first part 80 contacts one or both of the first and second projections 64 and 66 of the first operating member 16 as each of the first and second operating members 16 and 18 moves from the rest position towards the operated position, respectively. The first part 80 remains stationary with respect to the second part 82 as the first part 80 and the second part 82 pivot together about the first pivot axis P1 as each of the first and second operating members 16 and 18 moves from the rest position towards the operated position, respectively.
On the other hand, during release of the first and second operating members 16 and 18, the first part 80 pivots about the second pivot axis P2, which is offset from the first pivot axis P1, as each of the first and second operating members 16 and 18 moves from one of the operated positions toward the rest position, respectively. As a result, the first part 80 moves with respect to the second part 82 about the second pivot axis P2 as each of the first and second operating members 16 and 18 moves from one of the operated positions towards the rest position, respectively.
As mentioned above, the first operating member 16 includes the first projection 64 and the second projection 66. However, alternatively, the first operating member 16 need only include at least one projection, or the first operating member 16 can include more than two projections. In any case, the number of projections will indicate the number of operated positions that can be attained with the shift operating device. The first and second projections 64 and 66 contact the first part 80 and rotates the first part 80 about the first pivot axis P1 as each of the first and second operating members 16 and 18 moves from the rest position towards the operated position, respectively. The first and second projections 64 and 66 also contact the first part 80 and pivots the first part 80 about the second pivot axis P2 as each of the first and second operating members 16 and 18 moves from the operated position towards the rest position, respectively. The first projection 64 has a first height and the second projection 66 has a second height. The first and second heights of the first and second projections 64 and 66 are different from each other. The first projection 64 is closer to the first part 80 than the second projection 66 while the first operating member 16 is at the rest position. The first height of the first projection 64 is smaller than the second height of the second projection 66. By having different heights for the first and second projections 64 and 66, the rider can better distinguish between the two operated positions.
In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. The term “attached” or “attaching”, as used herein, encompasses configurations in which an element directly secured to another element by affixing the element is directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by affixing the element to the intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with another element, i.e. one element is essentially part of the other element. This definition also applies to words of similar meaning, for example, “joined”, “connected”, “coupled”, “mounted”, “bonded”, “fixed” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Also it will be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” may be used herein to describe various components these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, a first component discussed above could be termed a second component and vice-a-versa without departing from the teachings of the present invention. Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.
While only a selected embodiment have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, this invention can be applied for not only a rotary type of a bicycle electric operating device such as described in the illustrated embodiment but can also be applied to any kind of bicycle electric operating device. Moreover, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired so long as they do not substantially affect their intended function. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them unless specifically stated otherwise. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa unless specifically stated otherwise. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiment according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
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